The Distribution and Production of Submerged Macrophytes in Loch Leven, Kinross

The distribution and production of submerged macrophytes in Loch Leven has been investigated using drag-rake surveys and biomass measurements. Survey data suggest that changes in the species diversity of the loch have occurred since the earlier records. There appears to have been a decline in some species with an increase in others.In general there has been an overall loss in species diversity which may be correlated with the increasingly eutrophic status of Loch Leven. At present the macrophyte flora is dominated by a few species, notably Potamogeton filiformis, Zannichellia palustris, Nitella opaca and algal periphyton, with declining, though still significant amounts of Chora aspera. It is probable that the species diversity is in the process of adjusting to the eutrophic status of the loch and that P. filiformis in particular is in an expanding condition.